Senior Account Director / Associate Director - Wine & Spirits (Maternity Cover, FT/PT)

Overview

Senior Account Director / Associate Director - Wine and Spirits (Maternity Cover, FT/PT) – Phipps, City of London, England, United KingdomAbout Phipps

A rare opportunity to join the award-winning food and drinks team at Phipps, the UK’s most decorated drinks communications agency. Representing some of the most inspiring food and drink brands worldwide, we deliver standout campaigns that cut through with both consumers and trade. From media relations to social and influencer activations, from large-scale festivals to premium wine tastings and intimate media dinners, no two days are the same.Who we’re looking for

We are seeking an experienced senior account director or associate director to cover a maternity leave on a full- or part-time basis (9-12 months). This is a senior communications role requiring extensive experience in the food, wine and spirits sector, with a proven track record as a trusted client counsel.You will be confident leading major client campaigns end to end, from strategy through to delivery, with strong commercial awareness and the ability to manage budgets, teams and agency resources. You’ll bring an impressive book of media and influencer contacts across consumer and trade, alongside expertise in paid and organic social - particularly Meta platforms. A natural leader, you’ll mentor and inspire colleagues, while maintaining the highest standards of creativity and execution for our clients.Key responsibilities

Lead a portfolio of high-profile wine and spirits clients, providing senior strategic counsel and directionOversee and inspire the delivery of integrated campaigns spanning media relations, social (paid and organic), influencer activations, events and partnershipsBuild and maintain strong senior-level client relationships, acting as a trusted advisorDrive media and influencer engagement through an established book of contacts across trade and consumer drinks pressLead paid social campaigns across Meta platforms, ensuring insight-driven planning, execution and reportingManage budgets, forecasting and invoicing, ensuring commercial efficiencyProvide line management, mentoring and support for junior and mid-level colleaguesContribute to agency leadership, including new business pitches and proposalsWhat we’re looking for

Proven experience at senior account director or associate director level in communications (agency or in-house)Extensive experience in the wine and spirits sector - essentialStrong client leadership skills with a demonstrable track record as a trusted senior counselEstablished media and influencer network across consumer and trade drinksHands-on experience in planning, executing and evaluating paid and organic social campaigns, with Meta platforms essentialProven ability to manage teams, budgets and multiple large-scale campaigns simultaneouslyExcellent communication, presentation and strategic thinking skillsCommercially astute, with experience contributing to business development and agency growthHybrid working, split between home and our creative office at The Ministry, near London Bridge.Perks and benefits

After probation: Free access to The Ministry’s events programme including live DJs, craft workshops, speaker events, facials and moreFree access to The Ministry gym, Peloton bikes and fitness classesBespoke training opportunitiesCompany laptop and mobile phone26 days holiday per annum (plus bank holidays)Travel insurance (business and ..... full job details .....